The holiday season can be stressful if you don’t treat yourself to a little R&R. As end-of-year anxiety builds up, and holiday shopping and company parties take over your schedule, make sure to carve out some you-time. So why not practice some self-care in a vacation spot? Try one of these last-minute holiday trip ideas to some of our favorite U.S. destinations, and give yourself a true holiday break.
Miami Beach / Boca Raton / pretty much anywhere in Florida
Escape the cold in classic snowbird fashion by flying south for the winter. Florida flights are usually reasonably priced, and there are tons of beachy towns to explore while basking in 80-degree December weather. Make your friends at home jealous when you post a South Beach-tagged Instagram, daiquiri in hand and poolside massage in the background.
San Diego
Experience the laidback SoCal vibes and white sand beaches – just buy your ticket before airfare prices skyrocket in December. Beyond the perfect weather and picturesque views of the Pacific, San Diego is also right next to the border of Mexico. Just an hour away you can visit Tijuana for an international day trip – then return home to unwind with a Zeel massage to top off your San Diego stay.
Boston
Boston is beautiful in the fall and winter. One of America’s oldest settlements, the city is full of rich historic sites (for you nostalgia fans out there). Follow the Freedom Trail downtown to immerse yourself in 16 historically significant landmarks, and then head over to Boston Public Garden for a peaceful walk in the park.
New York City
While admittedly not a relaxing place, NYC is always decked out for the season and a great place to visit around the holidays. For a quintessentially New York holiday experience, stop by the giant Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center, and top it off with a Rockettes show at Radio City or a New York Pops holiday concert at Carnegie Hall.
Lake Tahoe
Just a few hours’ drive from Sacramento and the SF Bay Area, this mountain haven with scenic lakefront views and casino resorts provides the perfect setting in which to stay, play, and Zeel. Winter brings even more fun activities into the mix – Lake Tahoe offers some of the best skiing on the West Coast. Rejuvenate your body with a sports massage after hitting the slopes.
Las Vegas
Dreading wholesome family time this holiday break? Why not try something different and head to Sin City for a weekend? With warm desert weather, vibrant lights, nonstop excitement and entertainment options, you’ll definitely need a massage during your getaway. You’re in luck: Zeel delivers to every suite on the Strip and beyond.
Wilmington, NC
With three island beaches and a vibrant historic downtown district, Wilmington is a unique and often overlooked weekend getaway in one of America’s iconic riverfront ports. USA Today recommends checking out the restored antebellum mansions, old-fashioned trolleys and horse-drawn carriages, as well as the beautiful Cape Fear Riverwalk. Top it all off with a massage in the comfort of your resort room.
Charleston, SC
Once called the “best city in the world” by Travel + Leisure, Charleston is not only a historic city but also chock full of vibrant, modern life. This charming Southern destination is known for its art, culture, and sunny beaches, including nearby Folly Beach and Mount Pleasant. Bonus: the food is among the best in the United States (hope you like oysters!)
Savannah, GA and Hilton Head, SC
Two of Zeel’s newest cities are also two wonderful last-minute trip ideas if you’re heading south for the winter. Savannah’s stunning historic architecture tours will make you feel like you’ve traveled back in time. Hilton Head’s beautiful beaches, golf courses, lighthouses, and themed gardens make it a prime coastal destination for folks in the Carolinas or Georgia area (or anyone, for that matter). What’s more, you can order an in-room massage delivered right to your resort.
New Orleans
It’s on everyone’s bucket list, so why not make the trip this December while flights are still cheap? The birthplace of jazz is an unforgettable experience. Warm your soul with some spicy jambalaya, and paint the town red in the French Quarter. The next day, Zeel will be available to cure your hangover with an on-demand massage in your hotel or Airbnb.
Read: Get the Best Black Friday Massage Deal Without Leaving Home